Most of the
bioethanol today is produced using sugar and
starch-based raw materials obtained from food crop feedstocks. Due to sustainability concerns, the biofuels industry are moving towards advanced biofuel
technologies, including biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass and residues from agriculture and food production.
An international organic waste handler wished to assess the potential to supply its residual
biomass to second generation ethanol producers.
A review of current commercial production of cellulosic
ethanol was made, followed by interviews with producers on feedstock
requirements and specifications, market value, commercial and regulatory
considerations, and level of interest to do business.
We provided the waste handler client with a report on the use of organic wastes in cellulosic ethanol production. The report detailed opportunities and risks involved with the technology, policy and markets, analysed current cellulosic bioethanol production, and identified potential business partnerships to take the project forward in this new strategic direction.